Staff Writer Luke O'Roark looks at starts for week 12 in the NFL, along with some fantasy basketball advice.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I know I've been relatively inconsistent with these this year and I feel bad for you, the reader. That's of course, if anyone actually reads these.
Anyway, this week is fairly intriguing for fantasy owners in the NFL and NBA. The Thursday night game features the Raiders and Chiefs (I think I'll pass on this one...) and Monday Night Football pits the Ravens against the Saints (Meh).
Some lopsided match ups could see positive outcomes from recognizable faces. The Packers at Minnesota should be a fantasy goldmine, as Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 656 yards and nine touchdowns in the past two weeks. Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson are really starting to click and Eddie Lacy looks like a mammoth running the ball.
Dallas comes off its bye week to face the not-so-awesome New York Giants. I feel like Tony Romo and the Cowboys haven't played a relative game in like four weeks, but look for DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant to have strong outings.
Jacksonville (Haha) will go into Indianapolis, after Luck and company got blown out by Tom Brady and the wonderful, Bill Belichick. Last time against the Jags, Luck threw for 370 and four touchdowns. Hint -- start any Colts offensive weapon and you should receive some nice production.
Speaking of the Patriots, I wouldn't advise picking up running back Jonas Gray, yet. Belichick has a knack of plugging players in and out of his schemes, hence: Shane Vereen, Danny Amendola, Julius Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins. The only solidified players owners should have are Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Stephen Gostkowski.
For the NBA, a lot of interesting players to look out for.
If you don't have the Kings' DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins on your team, most likely you're dying to have him. He's slowly become a solid foundation for fantasy in the past two seasons.
Kevin Durant continues to sit and heal as Oklahoma City struggles. For those who picked up Durant in the second round, however, you deserve a gold star. You most likely have two stars on your roster.
NBA studs like Lebron James, James Harden and Durant will undoubtedly give you solid production for your team, but it's the role players that make the difference.
Guys like Tobias Harris, Brandon Knight, JJ Redick and Reggie Jackson could be the difference in being 4-1 and 2-3.
With that being said, best of luck owners. Tweet at me for other questions.
Other starts and pickups:
NFL starts
- Martellus Bennett for the Chicago Bears
- Steve Smith for the Baltimore Ravens
- Michael Crabtree for the San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs Defense
- Jeremy Maclin for the Philadelphia Eagles
NBA pickups
- Chris Copeland for the Indiana Pacers
- Otto Porter Jr. for the Washington Wizards
- Terrance Ross for the Toronto Raptors
- David Lee for the Golden State Warriors
@Lukeoroark
Lr514812@ohio.edu
